Keraia
Leviticus 13

Leviticus 13:55

Laws about Mildew · Leviticus 13:47–59
Read Leviticus 13

Translations

Modern
After it has been washed, the priest is to reexamine it, and if the mildewed article has not changed in appearance, it is unclean. Even though the mildew has not spread, you must burn it, whether the rot is on the front or back.
Traditional
And the priest shall look on the plague, after that it is washed: and, behold, if the plague have not changed his colour, and the plague be not spread; it is unclean; thou shalt burn it in the fire; it is fret inward, whether it be bare within or without.
Literal
And the priest shall examine the plague after it has been washed, and behold, if the plague has not turned its eye, and the plague has not spread, it is unclean, and you shall burn it in the fire; it is a rot in its back part or in its front part.
Latin
Et cum viderit faciem quidem pristinam non reversam, nec tamen crevisse lepram, immundum judicabit, et igne comburet, eo quod infusa sit in superficie vestimenti, vel per totum, lepra.

Original

Hebrew
English
After it has been washed, the priest is to reexamine it, and if the mildewed article has not changed in appearance, it is unclean. Even though the mildew has not spread, you must burn it, whether the rot is on the front or back.

Notes

Leviticus 13:47–59

In Israel, the rainy season lasts from mid-October through March, bringing humid and cool weather. Mildew thrives during this period. Its spores can cause severe allergic reactions, creating a health issue.

The rules for mildew in clothing were like those for infections in people. If the mildew spread, it was serious. If they could stop, wash, or cut it out, they could save the garment. This process was also similar to treating rot and mold in buildings (Leviticus 14:33–53).

Leviticus 13:1–14:57

Regarding regulations for infections, the idea of "normal" and "abnormal" is important (see “Clean, Unclean, and Holy” Theme Note). Infections in people, clothing, or buildings are not normal. They indicate disease and death. This is the opposite of wholeness. So, infections make a person ceremonially unclean.

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Color Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Law of Moses Leper, Leprosy Leviticus, Book of Medicine and Medical Practice Naaman Priesthood Wool Worship

Topics

Dress: Ceremonial Purification of Garments: Liable to Plague and Leprosy Priests: Services of Deciding in Cases of Leprosy Sanitation: Contagion Sanitation: Disinfection